🇬🇦GabonCentral Africa
Libreville to host international forum on innovation and development on May 3
via Gabon Review5 min read
Libreville will host the first International Forum for Innovation and Development on May 3, 2026, at the Palais des Congrès. The event, announced by Special Advisor and Presidential Spokesperson Théophane Nzame-Nze Biyoghe and Commissioner General for Exhibitions of Gabon Nina Alida Abouna, will focus on "Political stability, business climate, and artificial intelligence: catalysts for growth." This initiative aims to reposition Gabon as a credible, stable, and innovative player on the international stage, aligning with the dynamic set by President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, whose first anniversary in office coincides with the forum. The forum is part of a broader strategy for international outreach and structural transformation of the national economy, highlighting Gabon as a land of opportunities, innovation, and dialogue. The event is expected to gather 1,000 participants, 300 companies, 200 high-level speakers, and representatives from 35 countries, including heads of state, international institutions, investors, and private sector experts. The forum will feature thematic panels, strategic keynotes, agreement signings, and B2B, B2G, and G2G meetings. Expected outcomes include job creation, increased visibility for reforms, the drafting of a "Libreville Declaration," and a report outlining short, medium, and long-term actions to improve the business climate and living conditions. Nina Alida Abouna emphasized that the forum is an engagement to open a new chapter of deman
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Must ReadFormer Prime Minister and president of Ensemble pour le Gabon EPG, Alain-Claude Bilie-By-Nze, has been detained for 52 days at the Libreville prison under conditions described as particularly trying by his lawyer, Me Thierry Nguia. Speaking in Libreville on June 5, Me Nguia stated that while Bilie-By-Nze is "very courageous" and has "steel morale," his general state of health is causing increasing concern. The lawyer reported that Bilie-By-Nze is held in a "blind cell," meaning he cannot distinguish between day and night, leading to "total sedentarization" which could affect his physical and mental health. Me Nguia emphasized that prisoners have rights, including the right to exercise and walks, which are reportedly not being respected, despite Gabon's international commitments. Beyond the detention conditions, the legal procedure itself is contested. Me Nguia highlighted that after 52 days, his client has not been heard, questioning the basis of the case, which he claims involves 5 million CFA francs and relates to a prescribed matter. The defense argues that the detention stems from an investigation into alleged breach of trust and fraud from 2008, which they consider prescribed and legally weak. On June 3, the Libreville Court of Appeal rejected a nullification request filed by the former Prime Minister's lawyers, thus prolonging his incarceration. Me Nguia called for a return to proper legal procedure, warning that while Bilie-By-Nze is holding up, the situation should no
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Must ReadThe Rally for the Homeland and Modernity RPM has expressed surprise at the form and tone of Ali Bongo's recent statement, which was a response to an interview given by Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema on France24. In a communiqué published on June 4, the RPM stated it was astonished by the communiqué issued on June 3, 2026, in Ali Bongo Ondimba's name via a proxy and spokesperson. The party, whose interim presidency is held by Jean-Robert Goulongana, found it surprising that the former President, who is reportedly in full mental faculties, would need an intermediary to respond to the Head of State. The RPM questioned the significance of this approach, especially since Ali Bongo claims to be fully capable of speaking for himself. The party also expressed astonishment at the "particularly aggressive tone" used by the former Head of State towards Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, noting that the latter ensured Ali Bongo's security after the events of August 30, 2023. The RPM highlighted that Ali Bongo Ondimba and his family officially left Gabon for humanitarian reasons, with the option to return freely. However, the party criticized his political record, describing his governance as having led the country into political, economic, and social deadlock, ultimately precipitating his downfall. The RPM believes Ali Bongo is more concerned with rewriting his legacy than with introspection. Recalling the former President's statements that he no longer wished to seek the votes of Gabonese citi